Cue Bill Walton's refrain: "Conference of Champions!"
The leaving the batter's box after every pitch drives me bonkers. One player, I believe that she might have been OK State's leadoff hitter, would step out and jump and down a few times and then return to the box, taking up time. There should be a rule that a batter can only exit the batter's box once per at bat and if they leave a second time, it's a strike - unless a timeout has been granted for another player (like the pitcher). As far as leaving to get a coach's signal, they can do that while in the box.
I always enjoy the softball championship series. This year was exceptional. Lots of teams with more than one gifted player. UCLA had enough right handed hitters to get to the Oklahoma ace, I wish Bama had a few more righties, and we may have faced Garcia and her ursine mates.Some great discussions on here so let dissect:
The game ending play was awkward for the center
Fielder as the run to the ball was carrying her to 3rd base requiring her to Pick up the ball in her glove hand (left hand) and the transfer and throw across her body towards home. She actually made a strong throw that was inaccurate due to her body position.
The Oklahoma freshman shortstop made an awesome play from deep in the hole and showed a cannon of an arm.
Rachel Garcia, as noted, is an absolute stud both on the rubber and at the plate. The two games she pitched against this #1 offense in the country to hold them to 5 runs in 12 innings is impressive. This Oklahoma team hits singles, doubles, triples and home runs in every spot in the order. The point is they don’t just rely on HRs. To shut them down is truly impressive. I think she hit 72 or 73 mph a few times as well. That is a hardball equivalent of 102.
She is only a Junior!
The games were great this year so despite 15 of 16 seeds making the Super Regionals and 7 of 8 top seeds making the WCWS, most games were close affairs. Most ball and strike calls were consistent from game to game as well (which in past years was a major issue).
I could do without both Amin and Mowins over dramatizing every hit or out and sometimes allow silence to appear but I do like Mendoza and Smith.
One absolute stupid segment was Holly talking about diet and nutrition with UCLA. Seriously?
Great tournament overall.
So...now what do we do
Lastly, thank you administrators allowing a softball thread here and to all those who contributed as it was great to participate with you and indulging my interest. Drinks on the house!
Yes, I totally agree--I saw some very strong arms, some great defensive plays, and very athletically gifted players. The pressure of throwing someone out to prevent the WCWS winning run is pretty incredibly formidable... I am never amazed by the lint-picking scrutiny and extremely acute critiquing that women's athletics seem to endure...
They have gotten even more aggressive since the rule change about blocking the plate. Catcher cannot impede the progress of the runner (block the plate) unless they have the ball in their hand. Eliminates collisions and injuries, I get it, but the margin of error - not only on the throw, but on the catcher handling it - is much smaller than it was, because the catcher is waiting in a less than ideal position for the throw.
